Solar Bears busy in community this past weekend

Organization assists OYHA, AHA, OMYF

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, attended the Orlando Youth Hockey Association (OHYA) End of Year Banquet, American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Ball, and Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) Black Ties and Tennies Gala Presented by INDOCHINO on Saturday, March 15.

Solar Bears forward Jake Hauswirth attended and spoke at the OYHA End of Year Banquet, an event designed so that all members of the club can mingle amongst the others and learn about the other's accomplishments. Along with dinner, Jr. Knights coaches presented player awards. Hauswirth spoke to the group of over 150 young athletes and their families about the importance of hard work, dedication, and staying in school.

OYHA was founded in 1987 making this their 26th Anniversary Season. This year over 325 people attended the banquet despite the Squirt A team playing the Finals in the Music City Showdown in Nashville.

The Jr. Knights had a record 167 players with 10 teams from mite to midget 18AA. Seven of nine teams qualified for the state playoffs. In the state championships, three teams won the Silver Medal (Bantam AA, U16, U18AA) and the Pee Wee Black Team won the State Championship. 

The AHA Heart Ball at SeaWorld welcomed more than 450 people to the event and raised approximately $380,000. The Solar Bears were proud to sponsor a table and donate a suite to a Solar Bears game as part of the silent auction which raised over $17,000 that night.

The Heart Ball celebrates the AHA work and mission, AHA donors and volunteers, and most importantly the lives saved and improved because of everyone's effort. Last year, the Heart Ball campaign raised over $59.7 million nation-wide, allowing the AHA to fund research and programs across the country and in the Orlando community.It was an action-packed and fun-filled 24th Annual OMYF Black Tie & Tennies Gala. Guests enjoyed interactive activities with Orlando Magic players and coaches, live entertainment, delicious food and a one-of-a-kind silent and live auction. The Orlando Solar Bears were proud to sponsor a table and provide an auction item for the event.All proceeds benefited OMYF and will help change the lives of children around Central Florida. The OMYF is committed to helping children in Central Florida realize their full potential, especially those most at risk, by supporting programs and partnerships that empower families and change lives.

If your non-profit group would like to request an auction item or player appearance from the Solar Bears, send your request on the non-profit group's letterhead to orlandoprohockey@gmail.com.

Orlando Solar Bears individual game tickets for the 2013-14 season are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office or online at OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.comor Ticketmaster.com. For the Promotional Calendar, click here.

The Orlando Solar Bears, the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Iowa Wild and Toronto Marlies, play all of their home games at the 2012 Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year, the Amway Center.

Follow the Solar Bears at www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com, Facebook, and Twitter(@OrlandoHockey) for all the latest news and updates. Stay in touch with Shades on Instagram by following ShadestheSolarBear.

Don't get shut-out when we sell out! Take advantage of the Orlando Solar Bears season tickets and 18 game plans. Call the Solar Bears at 407-951-8200 or visit www.OrlandoSolarBearsHockey.com.

Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call 407-951-8200 or visit www.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/groups.

Officially licensed Orlando Solar Bears replica team jerseys, apparel, and headwear can be purchased online at: http://shop.orlandosolarbearshockey.com/

Since beginning operations in November of 2011, the Solar Bears have helped raise over $500,000 for the Central Florida community. To read the Solar Bears Report to the Community, click here.